Law Roach credits Zendaya’s Oscar dreadlocks for sparking the creation of The Crown Act, saying the moment «ignited a global conversation.»
Law Roach expressed gratitude for Zendaya, recalling the 2015 Oscars when she wore dreadlocks, sparking controversy after Giuliana Rancic made a disparaging remark.
Roach explained that although they didn’t intend to make a statement, the incident led to important conversations about Black hair, influencing the creation of The Crown Act in 2019, which protects against hair discrimination in workplaces and schools.
Zendaya, who called Rancic’s comments «outrageously offensive,» emphasized the need to distinguish between humor and disrespect, highlighting the impact the incident had on conversations around Black women’s hair.
Zendaya responded to Giuliana Rancic’s comment, saying, “To suggest that an 18-year-old woman with locs must smell like patchouli or ‘weed’ is not just a stereotype but deeply offensive.
I usually don’t feel the need to respond to negativity, but some remarks cannot be ignored.”
Rancic later apologized on-air, admitting, “What I said last night crossed the line.” Zendaya accepted the apology on Twitter, hoping that others affected by Rancic’s words would also find it in their hearts to forgive.
Reflecting on the incident in a 2021 W Magazine interview, Zendaya explained, “That’s how change happens,” and added, “It made me think, ‘How can I create a lasting impact on how people view and associate People of Color?’”
